Hazelnut, Chocolate and Date Baklava
Photography by Aaron McLean.
The baklava are best served on the day of making. If you do make them ahead, reheat in a 180˚C oven for 3-4 minutes to re-crisp them, but cool before serving.
INGREDIENTS
6-8 sheets filo pastry
½ cup melted butter
Filling
70 grams hazelnuts, roasted and chopped
1/3 cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon each ground cinnamon and ginger
¼ teaspoon each ground cloves and cardamom
50 grams dark chocolate (68% cocoa), chopped
¼ cup finely chopped dates
To serve
icing sugar for dusting
rose Turkish delight, optional
METHOD
Preheat the oven to 180˚C.
Filling: Put all the filling ingredients into a food processor and pulse until finely chopped but not turning into a paste. Any large pieces of filling will rip the pastry when rolled.
To assemble: Lay one sheet of filo on the bench with the short end towards you. Keep the remaining pastry covered with a damp tea towel to prevent it drying out.
Brush half the sheet with butter and sprinkle with three tablespoons of filling. Fold the top, un-buttered half, over the filling. Brush with butter. Cut into 3 x 7 cm wide strips and roll up firmly into small cigars. Brush with butter and place on a lined baking tray. Repeat with the remaining pastry and filling, wiping the bench clean before laying out the next sheet of filo.
Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden, turning the tray halfway through for even browning. Transfer to a cooling rack.
To serve: Dust with icing sugar and arrange on a platter with the Turkish delight. Makes about 18 baklava.
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